US Open 2026 Ultimate Guide: Schedule, Top Seeds, Key Storylines and Prize Money

The season of Honey Deuce cocktails at Flushing Meadows is officially upon us as the 2026 US Open main draw gets under way in New York this Sunday. This year's fourth and final Grand Slam features some of the biggest names in tennis alongside rising breakout players, though it will also miss a few notable injured absentees. The mixed doubles title has already been claimed by the Czech pair Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik on Wednesday night after they defeated Switzerland's Belinda Bencic and Italy's Flavio Cobolli.

Here is everything you need to know about the US Open main draw:

Where and when is the US Open?

All the main draw action from August 30 until September 13 takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, just outside New York City. The men's and women's quarterfinals begin on September 8, followed by:

• Women's singles semifinals: September 10
• Men's singles semifinals: September 11
• Women's final: September 12
• Men's final: September 13

Who are the top seeds?

Women's singles: Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Karolina Muchova, Linda Noskova, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, and Elina Svitolina.

Men's singles: Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Taylor Fritz, and Alexander Bublik.

What are some major storylines?

• Top-ranked Jannik Sinner withdraws: The world number one expressed that he was very sad and disappointed to withdraw after failing to recover from a right knee injury that has sidelined him since winning the Wimbledon title.
• Carlos Alcaraz back in action: The Spaniard looks to defend his title following a four-month hiatus due to a wrist injury, though Sinner's absence means fans will miss the anticipated rivalry clash.
• Serena Williams and Venus Williams wildcards: Serena and Venus teamed up for mixed doubles earlier, and both received wildcards, with Venus also entering the women's singles draw.
• Stan Wawrinka handed last-minute wildcard: The 2016 champion secured a late entry in his farewell season following significant fan support.
• Novak Djokovic pursues 25th slam: The world number five continues his relentless hunt for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Who's likely to lift the trophy?

With Jannik Sinner out of contention, Carlos Alcaraz holds a clear path for his title defense, while top seed Alexander Zverev aims to build on his maiden Slam win. On the women's side, Coco Gauff targets a repeat of her 2023 title against top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, though players like Elina Rybakina and Jessica Pegula remain strong contenders.

What's the prize money this year?

A record $108m prize pot is available, with singles winners receiving $5.5m and finalists earning $2.8m, scaling down through the rounds. Doubles winning pairs will take home $1m.